Women Farmers, Unite!

Regional Representatives of the Pennsylvania Women's Agriculture Network have planned a networking opportunity for new and seasoned farmers and members of the network to connect over a potluck lunch and symposium titled “Living the Good Life: Laugh Often, Dream Big, Reach for the Stars.”

On February 26, women farmers -- and that includes urban farmers -- will meet at Chatham University's Eden Hall Campus and Farm for a day of inspiration, friendship, and laughter.

The event, which is sponsored by USDA's National Institute of Food & Agriculture, Whole Foods Market and Chatham University's Food Studies Program, will feature inspirational speakers Maureen Murray, a national speaker, trainer, and coach; Alice Julier, Program Director of Chatham's Graduate Program in Food Studies; and Laverne Baker Hotep, director of Community Arts, Education and Outreach at The Center for Victims of Violence and Crime.

After a potluck lunch, women farmers will share hilarious accounts of life on the farm. Proving that a job requirement for women farmers is a sense of humor, women farmers will reveal the nitty-gritty truth about rural life – from an 80-pound greased pig in the bathtub to 350 chicks in the living room, these women have seen it all. Representatives from Table Magazine, The Post-Gazette, East End Food Coop, and Whole Foods Market will judge this light-hearted competition. Prizes will be awarded for the best stories.

Join in the fun from 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at Chatham University's Eden Hall Campus (6015 Ridge Road, Richland Township). Lunch will be served at 11:50 a.m. Please bring a dish to share and your own non-disposable place setting.

Registration is free. Register online at http://svy.mk/Feb26Reg. For additional details, contact Ann Stone at ams39@psu.edu or call 814-863-4489 or visit http://agsci.psu.edu/wagn/events.

The Pennsylvania Women's Agricultural Network (PA-WAgN) is a Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences program that supports women in agriculture by providing a positive learning environment, networking, and empowerment. To learn more about the program or to become a member, visit http://agsci.psu.edu/wagn.